Both are equal in their own aspects. Driving on is the only means I will choose. You are correct in saying that people don't need others sympathy, especially when it's nothing more than someone else's feel good.

Which is worse? I don't think either are bad, unless you fall into depression because you can't reconcile your thoughts and emotions.When you are in a state of self pity, you have been emotionally or mentally hurt somehow. Would you have a cherished and beloved friend that if you knew was in pain you wouldn't try to ease their burden and console them?No-because you know that is what a humane person does. They give love as medicine to someone in distress and pain, and the love they give is a necessary part of love that they need too.
So, if you would love and console your friend, why would you not do it for yourself? You are at a standstill and can't move forward and cry to release the tension and frustration, and eventually reach a calm void where you can think more clearly.Will I stay here in this place where I cannot move forward? If the pain is bad enough, the answer might be yes...I need more time. Most of the time the answer is no....I have accepted the pain,released it , and now it's time to work through it. The pain was bad enough and I won't stay here in this place of self pity- I refuse to be a victim, to give anyone or anything that power over my life; including my own emotions.
Sympathy for yourself and empathy from others is the cleansing of the wound that allows you and spurs you to take action to find the necessary solutions to heal the wound; and find a positive way to incorporate what that incident has taught you to become part of the evolution of who you are constantly in the process of becoming.Being in a place of self pity or empathy is healthy.....lingering there too long is unhealthy.